Filtration system with dual lip seal

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments relate to a filtration system. The filtration system includes a housing having a drain. A filter element is positioned within the housing. The filter element comprises a first endplate and a second endplate. Filter media is positioned between the first endplate and second endplate. A dual lip seal member is coupled to the second endplate. The dual lip seal member includes a first protrusion that extends radially outward around an outer surface of the dual lip seal member. A second protrusion extends radially outward around the outer surface of the dual lip seal member. The dual lip seal member is configured to prevent fluid to be filtered from exiting the housing through the drain when the filter element is in an installed position. The dual lip seal member permits residual fluid to exit the housing through the drain when the filter element is displaced from the installed position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage of PCT Application No.PCT/US2018/056235, filed Oct. 17, 2018 which claims priority to IndianProvisional Patent Application No. 201741037236, filed Oct. 21, 2017.The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to filtration systems. Moreparticularly, the present application relates to fluid filtrationsystems having a replaceable filter element.

BACKGROUND

Fluid filtration systems are used to provide clean fluid to a device.For example, internal combustion engines may have multiple filtrationsystems to provide clean fuel, clean oil, and clean fluid (e.g., liquid,air, hydraulic, etc.) to the various components of the internalcombustion engines. Each filtration system generally includes a filterelement having a filter media that filters the fluid. Some filtrationsystems, such as fuel and oil filtration systems, often use replaceablefilter elements that require periodic filter element replacementservices to ensure proper filtration of the fluids. In some filtrationsystems, the filter element can remain immersed in the fluid to befiltered even when not in use. For example, after operation of aninternal combustion engine has ceased, residual fuel to be filtered by afuel filter element may remain in the filter element housing. In suchsituations, the residual fuel may spill from the filtration systemduring removal of the housing (e.g., removal of a housing that containsthe filter element) or removal of the filter element from the housingduring a service operation to change the filter element.

Filter elements (e.g., filter cartridges) often include a seal memberthat is compressed against a component of the filtration system housingor another portion of the filtration system. The seal member forms aseal between the filtration system housing and the filter element,thereby preventing fluid from bypassing the filter elements (e.g., forair to bypass an air filter element or liquid to bypass a liquid filterelement). If an improper filter element (i.e., a non-authorized ornon-genuine filter element) is installed in a filtration system, or ifthe proper filter element is installed incorrectly, the seal member ofthe filter element may not form a proper seal, and fluid may bypass thefilter element, causing damage to downstream components or a drop inoperating pressure. Accordingly, the installation of an improper filterelement can harm critical components in the filtration system, causeimproper sealing, diminish emission compliance mechanisms, cause subparperformance, and the like.

SUMMARY

One example embodiment relates to a filtration system. The filtrationsystem includes a housing having a drain. A filter element is positionedwithin the housing. The filter element includes a first endplate and asecond endplate. Filter media is positioned between the first endplateand second endplate. A dual lip seal member is coupled to the secondendplate. The dual lip seal member comprises a first protrusion thatextends radially outward around an outer surface of the dual lip sealmember. A second protrusion extends radially outward around the outersurface of the dual lip seal member. The dual lip seal member isconfigured to prevent fluid to be filtered from exiting the housingthrough the drain when the filter element is in an installed position.The dual lip seal member permits residual fluid to exit the housingthrough the drain when the filter element is displaced from theinstalled position.

Another example embodiment relates to a filter element. The filterelement includes a first endplate and a second endplate. Filter media ispositioned between the first endplate and second endplate. A dual lipseal member is coupled to the second endplate. The dual lip seal membercomprises a first protrusion that extends radially outward around anouter surface of the dual lip seal member. A second protrusion extendsradially outward around the outer surface of the dual lip seal member.The dual lip seal member is configured to prevent fluid to be filteredfrom exiting through a drain when the filter element is in an installedposition in a housing. The dual lip seal member permits residual fluidto exit through the drain when the filter element is displaced from theinstalled position.

These and other features, together with the organization and manner ofoperation thereof, will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawingsdescribed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system that includesa filter element with a dual lip seal member, according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dual lip seal member of thefiltration system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the dual lip sealmember of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a filter element that includes aneccentrically oriented dual lip seal member, according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a housing that is complementary tothe filter element of FIG. 4A, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures generally, various embodiments disclosed hereinrelate to a filtration system with a filter element that includes a duallip seal (e.g., a dual lip seal member) that functions as an anti-drainseal. The dual lip seal member prevents fluid (e.g., fuel) beingfiltered from flowing back to a fluid storage tank (e.g., a fuel tank)through a drain in the filter housing when the filter element is in aninstalled position within the filter housing. Stated differently, thedual lip seal member prevents the dirty (e.g., yet to be filtered) fluidtraveling through the inlet from flowing into the fluid storage tank.Further, the configuration of the dual lip seal member with the filterhousing allows fluid to flow back to the fluid storage tank when thefilter element is being removed from the filter housing (e.g., during afilter change service). Additionally, the dual lip seal member preventsfuel on the dirty side (e.g., inlet) of the filter element from enteringa water sump of the filtration system, thereby eliminating the need fora separate seal member. Non-compatible filter elements without the duallip seal member will permit fluid to return to the fluid tank when thenon-compatible filter element is installed in the filtration system.Since the fuel returns to the tank when the engine is off, the lack offuel will cause a hard engine start when the engine is being restarted.Accordingly, the dual lip seal member also functions as an engineintegrity protection mechanism, helping to ensure that an installedfilter element is genuine (i.e., authorized, Original EquipmentManufacturer (“OEM”) approved, etc.). Thus, the dual lip seal memberperforms multiple functions (anti-drain back to tank functions, drainingfunctions, and engine integrity protection functions), thereby reducingthe cost over traditional filter elements that require three separatecomponents for each of the functions.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view of a filtration system 100that includes a filter element 104 with a dual lip seal member 102 isshown, according to an example embodiment. The filtration systemincludes a filter element 104, a complementary housing 106, and a filtermounting head 103. The filter element 104 is installed in an interiorcompartment of a housing 106 in an installed position (i.e., in anoperational position that permits filtering of the fluid). In theinstalled or operational position, the filter element 104 is connectedto a filter mounting head (e.g., as described above) and the housing 106is also attached to the filter mounting head 103 (e.g., via a threadedconnection in arrangements where the housing 106 is a spin-on housing).The filter element 104 includes a dual lip seal member 102 that forms aradial seal between the filtration system housing 106 and the filterelement 104, thereby preventing fluid from bypassing the filter element104. Generally, when the filter element 104 is received in the installedposition within the housing 106 (i.e., the filtration system 100 isassembled), the dual lip seal member 102 forms a seal between thehousing 106 and the filter element 104. The dual lip seal member 102prevents the fluid from exiting the housing 106 through the drainpassage 118. As will be appreciated, if an improper filter element(i.e., a non-authorized or non-genuine filter element) is installed in afiltration system 100, or if the proper filter element is installedincorrectly, the dual lip seal member 102 of the filter element 104 maynot form a proper seal, and fluid may bypass the filter element 104causing damage to downstream components or improper operation of thefiltration system 100 or other components.

The filter element 104 includes a first endplate 108, a second endplate110, filter media 112, and the dual lip seal member 102. The filterelement 104 may be a cylindrical filter element with similarly shapedcomponents. The filter media 112 includes an inner clean (e.g., filteredfuel) side 116 and an outer dirty (e.g. unfiltered fuel) side 114.Accordingly, the filter element 104 is an outside-in flow filterelement. In an alternative arrangement, the filter element 104 is aninside-out flow filter element having an inner dirty side 114 and anouter clean side 116. Fluid to be filtered passes from the dirty side114 of the filter media 112 to the clean side of the filter media 112.The filter media 112 may include any of paper-based filter media,fiber-based filter media, foam-based filter media, or the like. Thefilter media 112 is disposed between the first endplate 108 and thesecond endplate 110.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the first endplate 108 is coupled to a first, topend of the filter media 112. The first endplate 108 may include aplurality of retention tabs to secure the filter element 104 to a filtermounting head of the filtration system 100 when the filter element 104is installed in the filtration system 100. For example, the retentiontabs may form a snap-fit connection with the filter mounting head 103 ofthe filtration system 100 as the filter element 104 is installed in thefiltration system 100. The retention tabs removably secure the filterelement 104 to the mounting head during removal of the housing 106 ofthe filtration system 100, thereby permitting residual fluid in thehousing to drain past the dual lip seal member 102 back into a fluidstorage tank.

The filter element 104 further includes a second endplate 110 coupled toa second, bottom end of the filter media 112. In some embodiments, thesecond endplate 110 includes a central opening. The central opening issized and shaped to receive a component of a filtration system (e.g., astandpipe) when the filter element 104 is installed in an operatingposition within the filtration system. In other embodiments, the centralopening is in fluid communication with a water sump. The first endplate108 may also include a central opening. The central opening may routefluid and air to a component (e.g., to an internal combustion engine).The central opening may be configured to be in fluid communication witha center housing portion 126 of the housing 106.

The filter element 104 includes a dual lip seal member 102. The dual lipseal member 102 is configured as an anti-drain dual lip seal member. Thedual lip seal member 102 includes a central opening 120, a firstprotrusion 122, and a second protrusion 124. The dual lip seal member102 comprises a cylindrical seal member with the first protrusion 122and second protrusion 124 being disposed around the outer surface of theseal member 102. The dual lip seal member 102 is disposed adjacent tothe drain passage 118 in the housing 106 that is in fluid communicationwith the fluid storage tank (not shown). The dual seal member may beformed concentrically (e.g., having a common center) with the filtrationsystem 100 or eccentrically (e.g., not having a common center) with thefiltration system 100 (as shown below in FIGS. 4A-4B). The dual lip sealmember 102 is coupled to the second endplate 110. In some embodiments,the dual lip seal member 102 is disposed around an outer surface of thesecond endplate 110, the outer surface extending axially away from abottom surface of the second endplate 110 away from the first endplate108. In some embodiments, the dual lip seal member 102 and the secondendplate 110 may be manufactured as a single, integrated piece (e.g.,via an over molding or heat staking process). In other embodiments, thesecond endplate 110 includes a retaining member, such that a snap-fitconnection is formed between the retaining member and central opening120 of the dual lip seal member 102. The snap-fit connection removablysecures the dual lip seal member 102 to the second endplate 110. Thecentral opening 120 of the dual lip seal member 102 is aligned with acentral opening that is configured to allow a component (e.g., thestandpipe) to be received through the central opening 120 of the duallip seal member 102.

The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 provide a radialseal with both the top and bottom side of the second endplate 110.Beneficially in a particular embodiment, the dual lip seal member 102includes two different lip seal diameters, as the first protrusion 122has a first diameter and the second protrusion 124 has a seconddiameter. Accordingly, the diameters of the first protrusion 122 and thesecond protrusion 124 may be adjusted to provide ease of installation ofthe filter element 104 into the housing 106. This ensures that theassembly of the filter element 104 and housing 106 is successful onlywhen the filter element 104 and housing 106 are properly aligned (e.g.,sealed). In some embodiments, the first diameter and the second diametermay be substantially similar. In other embodiments, the first diameterand the second diameter are different diameters.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the dual lip seal member 102 includes afirst protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 124 comprising a generallysideways ‘v’-shape, with the center 130 of the dual lip seal (e.g., theindention of the tip of the ‘v’ shape) being adjacent to the drainpassage 118. The first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124extend around the outer surface around the dual lip seal member 102. Insome embodiments, the first protrusion 122 extends at a substantially45-degree angle above a horizontal axis and the second protrusionextends at a substantially 45-degree angle below the horizontal axis,where the horizontal axis is parallel to the horizontal surface of thesecond endplate 110. While the dual lip seal member 102 is shown havingtwo protrusions in a generally sideways ‘v’-shape, a wide variety ofconfigurations may be implemented including variations in the shape ofthe dual lip seal member 102, size of dual lip seal member 102, andnumber of protrusions of the dual lip seal member 102. The dual lip sealmember 102 is configured to have a shape, length, width, and number ofelements that is specifically tailored to interface with an innersurface of the housing 106. For example, the dual lip seal member 102may comprise two separate O-rings, multiple lips, or other variousshapes and configurations involving one or more lips and O-rings. Thisensures that the assembly of the filter element 104 and housing 106 issuccessful only when the filter element 104 and housing 106 are properlyaligned (e.g., sealed) and ensure engine integrity (e.g., genuine filterelement 104).

Referring to FIG. 2 , a cross-sectional view of the dual lip seal member102 of the filtration system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. FIG. 2 shows thearea of the filter element 104 near the second endplate 110. The firstprotrusion 122 of the dual lip seal member 102 presses against a firstportion 202 of an inner surface of the housing 106 and the secondprotrusion 124 of the dual lip seal member 102 presses against a lower,second portion 204 of the inner surface of the housing 106. The drainpassage 118 is located between the first protrusion 122 and the secondprotrusion 124 and adjacent the base formed by the first protrusion 122and second protrusion 124. Thus, the first protrusion 122 and the secondprotrusion 124 create a one-way valve, allowing the fluid to enter thehousing 106 and preventing the fluid from returning back to the fluidstorage tank. Accordingly, the dual lip seal member 102 prevents fluidto be filtered from exiting through a drain passage 118 located in thehousing 106 while the filter element 104 is received in the installedposition within the housing 106. In such arrangements, the drain passage118 connects the housing 106 to a fluid storage tank (e.g., the fueltank of a vehicle powered by the internal combustion engine).Accordingly, the dual lip seal member 102 functions as an anti-drainback to the storage tank when the filter element 104 is installed in thehousing 106 (e.g., between filter service operations).

FIG. 3 shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the dual lip seal member102 interacting with the housing 106 when the filter element 104 isreceived in the installed position within the housing 106. As shown inFIG. 3 , the dual lip seal member includes the first protrusion 122 andthe second protrusion 124. The first protrusion 122 and the secondprotrusion 124 may include flexing features or flanges to providesealing between the housing 106 and the filter element 104. The flexingfeatures allow the first and/or second protrusions (122,124) of the duallip seal member 102 to flex with respect to the main body of the duallip seal member 102. Accordingly, the flexing features can assist increating the dual lip seal member between the first protrusion 122 andthe housing 106 and the second protrusion 124 and the housing 106. Theflexing features may comprise grooves or cuts in the dual lip sealmember 102 positioned at the joint between each of the first protrusion122 and the second protrusion 124 and the main body of the dual lip sealmember 102. The flexing features also permit the dual lip seal member102 to flex during full fluid flow, which reduces restriction andpotential damage to the dual lip seal member 102 (e.g., reduces the riskof permanent deformation of the dual lip seal member 102). In someembodiments, one or both of the first protrusion 122 and the secondprotrusion 124 include a first node 302 and a second node 304 (generallyin the location shown in FIG. 3 ). The inclusion of the first node 302and the second node 304 on either one of the first protrusion 122 andsecond protrusion 124 creates a tighter seal between the dual lip sealmember 102 and the inner surfaces (202,204) of the housing 106.

Accordingly, when the filter element 104 is received in the installedposition within the filtration system (i.e., within the housing 106 whenboth the housing 106 and the filter element 104 are secured to thefilter mounting head 103), the dual lip seal member 102 forms a radiallydirected seal between the housing 106 and the first protrusion 122 andthe second protrusion 124 and the housing 106. The dual lip seal member102 prevents the fluid from exiting the housing 106 through the drainpassage 118. During servicing of the filter element 104 (e.g., duringfilter element replacement) by a technician, the technician firstremoves the housing 106 from the filter mounting head 103. In doing so,the housing 106 is displaced relative to the filter element 104.

As mentioned above, the dual lip seal member 102 provides cleanservicing (e.g., when the dirty fuel is drained to the tank). By way ofexample, the housing 106 is removed (e.g., spun off) from a filtermounting head and the filter element 104 remains attached to the filtermounting head 103 through the retention tabs (e.g., as discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the housing 106 slides withrespect to the dual lip seal member 102. The housing 106 includes avariable inner diameter. When the filter element 104 is in the installedposition, the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 of thedual lip seal member 102 form a dual lip seal against a first portion202 and second portion 204, respectively, of the housing 106. When thehousing 106 is displaced from the filter element 104 during removal ofthe housing 106 (e.g., during a filter replacement service), the firstprotrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 slide to a third and fourthportion of the housing. The third and fourth portions have a largerdiameter than the first portion 202 and second portion 204. The thirdand fourth portions may include vertical ribs that displace the firstprotrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 from the surface of thethird and fourth portions thereby eliminating the dual seal between thedual lip seal member 102 and the housing 106. The vertical ribs preventthe first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 from beingpressed against the surface of the third and fourth portions by theweight of the residual fluid. As will be appreciated, because there isno dual lip seal member 102, fluid within the housing 106 can bypass thedual lip seal member 102 for draining out of the housing 106 through thedrain passage 118. Accordingly, the filter element 104 can be servicedwithout spilling or wasting residual fluid in the housing 106.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a perspective view of a filter element 404 thatincludes an eccentrically (e.g., not sharing a common center) orienteddual lip seal member 402 on an endplate 410, according to anotherexample embodiment. As will be appreciated, the eccentric filter element404 is substantially similar to the concentric filter element 104 ofFIGS. 1-3 . Accordingly, the eccentric filter element 404 providessubstantially the same benefits and features as the concentric filterelement 104. As shown in FIG. 4A, the filter element 404 furtherincludes a protruding member 408 to facilitate installation into thecomplementary housing 406. FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of a housing406 that is complementary to the filter element of FIG. 4A, according toan example embodiment.

It should be noted that any use of the term “exemplary” herein todescribe various embodiments is intended to indicate that suchembodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrationsof possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote thatsuch embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation ofvarious elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientationof various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thevarious exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Forexample, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed orotherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements orpositions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternativeembodiments. Additionally, features from particular embodiments may becombined with features from other embodiments as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art. Other substitutions, modifications,changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operatingconditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A filtration system comprising: a housingincluding a drain; and a filter element positioned within the housing,the filter element comprising: a first endplate; a second endplate;filter media positioned between the first endplate and the secondendplate; and a dual lip seal member coupled to the second endplate, thedual lip seal member comprising a first protrusion that extends radiallyoutward around an outer surface of the dual lip seal member, a secondprotrusion that extends radially outward around the outer surface of thedual lip seal member, and a center portion disposed between the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion, the center portion being adjacentto the drain, the drain disposed between the first protrusion and thesecond protrusion, the dual lip seal member configured to prevent fluidfrom exiting the housing through the drain when the filter element is inan installed position within the housing and to permit residual fluid toexit the housing through the drain when the filter element is displacedfrom the installed position.
 2. The filtration system of claim 1,wherein the first protrusion extends at a substantially 45-degree angleabove a horizontal axis and the second protrusion extends at asubstantially 45-degree angle below the horizontal axis, the horizontalaxis parallel to the second endplate.
 3. The filtration system of claim1, wherein contact of the first protrusion and a first housing surfaceof the housing when in the installed position forms a first radial seal,wherein contact of the second protrusion and a second housing surface ofthe housing when in the installed position forms a second radial seal,the first housing surface disposed above the drain and the secondhousing surface disposed below the drain.
 4. The filtration system ofclaim 3, wherein the first radial seal is configured to prevent fluid tobe filtered from exiting the housing through the drain when the filterelement is in an installed position within the housing and the secondradial seal is configured to permit residual fluid to exit the housingthrough the drain when the filter element is displaced from theinstalled position.
 5. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein thefirst protrusion has a first end and a second end, the first end incontact with the outer surface of the dual lip seal member, the secondend comprising a first node and a second node, the first node and thesecond node configured to form a radial seal with an inner surface ofthe housing.
 6. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the firstprotrusion has a first outer diameter and the second protrusion has asecond outer diameter, the first outer diameter being larger than thesecond outer diameter.
 7. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein thedual lip seal member is removably coupled to the second endplate.
 8. Thefiltration system of claim 7, wherein the dual lip seal member isremovably coupled to the second endplate via a snap-fit connection. 9.The filtration system of claim 1, wherein the dual lip seal member isovermolded to the second endplate.
 10. The filtration system of claim 1,wherein the second endplate further comprises an outer endplate surfaceextending axially from the second endplate away from the first endplate,the outer endplate surface comprising a cylindrical shape, wherein thedual lip seal member is removably coupled to the outer endplate surface.11. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein when the filter element isin the installed position, the dual lip seal member forms a radial sealwith the housing.
 12. The filtration system of claim 1, wherein thefirst protrusion of the dual lip seal member comprises at least oneflexing feature configured to allow the first protrusion of the dual lipseal member to flex.
 13. The filter system of claim 1, wherein the duallip seal member is disposed entirely on an outer radial surface of thesecond endplate.
 14. The filter system of claim 1, wherein the drain isdisposed in a sidewall of the housing, the center portion facingradially outward toward the drain.